heartworm

Question
I would like to know what the safest heartworm prevention medicine is for dogs - - also - what is the safest flea and tick prevention medication for dogs - Thank you!!!!!!

Answer
Hi Seal,
I am not sure what parameters you are looking for under the word "safe" but most of the common heartworm preventatives today have been tested for years and years and are very safe in terms of safety in giving it to your dog as prescribed.

I have used Sentinel made by Novartis for years because it is very, very safe, and contains a hormone that makes fleas sterile. After my pets had been on it for about three months I no longer had any fleas around my house or my property. And that's with deer, possums etc. roaming through the yard all day. I have almost 2 1/2 acres. So it works really well. The best part is it's a chewable pill that dogs just love. My dog couldn't wait to get her monthly pill.

Now it doesn't prevent ticks so you should use something like a preventic collar or a spot on for ticks. I personally do not like the chemicals in spot on applications so I never used anything on my dog. She rarely got ticks even though I live in the woods. I would have to put that off on the Sentinel maybe repels them somewhat? I don't really know.

But Preventic collars are really great and work really well. Just don't let your dog chew on it!

There are newer spot on applications that might be a bit safer- some of them even prevent  worms such as round and whip worms. There are applications (Revolution) that prevent Heartworms, fleas, ticks and mites when used as directed.

While it says that it does a good job with these things I have am a bit leery of the strength of the heartworm prevention. It's a personal choice of course and if you prefer the monthly spot-on type products then Revolution might be just want you need.

Thank you for being a responsible pet owner and keeping your dog on heartworm prevention!!